How to Train Your Dragon has soared to new heights, crossing a significant global box office milestone. As DreamWorks’ first live-action adaptation of their beloved 2010 animated feature, this film has already made waves. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film centers on the aspiring Viking warrior Hiccup, played by Mason Thames, who unexpectedly befriends a wounded dragon named Toothless, sparking a bond amid his village’s animosity towards dragons. The talented cast includes Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, and Gerard Butler.
According to The Numbers, just before wrapping its first full week, How to Train Your Dragon has accrued a staggering $252.9 million globally, featuring $113.7 million from domestic theaters and $139.2 million from international markets. This achievement makes it the ninth film of 2025 to surpass the $250 million milestone and positions it as the 96th highest-grossing release from Universal, surpassing notable films such as Get Out ($252.3 million) and Dolittle ($251.5 million).
Implications of the Milestone
Climbing the Box Office Ladder
Despite its impressive earnings, How to Train Your Dragon still has a way to go to break even. With a reported budget of $150 million plus an additional $100 million earmarked for advertising, its estimated break-even point could approach $500 million. Yet, achieving $250 million in its opening week signals a strong indication of potential success. The film is slated to rapidly ascend Universal’s box office rankings. Below is a glimpse at the films it will soon surpass:
|
Rank |
Title |
Box Office |
|---|---|---|
|
#96 |
Halloween (2018) |
$255.4 million |
|
#94 |
Us (2019) |
$255.6 million |
|
#93 |
Erin Brockovich (2000) |
$257.8 million |
|
#92 |
Out of Africa (1985) |
$258.2 million |
|
#91 |
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) |
$263.9 million |
|
#90 |
Waterworld (1995) |
$264.2 million |
With projections from Deadline indicating that the film will earn an additional $40 million at domestic theaters by the end of its second weekend, it is poised to surpass titles like Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) at $290.9 million, thereby ranking as Universal’s 78th highest-grossing film.
A Potential Box Office Phenomenon
On Track for Greatness
If current trends continue, How to Train Your Dragon could amass over $925 million during its theatrical run, placing it among Universal’s Top 15 titles and establishing it as a major cinematic success. This remarkable performance has evidently inspired DreamWorks to greenlight How to Train Your Dragon 2, a live-action remake of the sequel from the original animated trilogy, which grossed $621.5 million in 2014. The cultural impact of this franchise appears set to grow as audiences continue to embrace the enchanting world of dragons and Vikings.
Source: The Numbers & Deadline